Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences

The mission of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences is to further the understanding of Earth, the solar system, and their histories. The Department's scope extends from the center of Earth to the rim of the solar system, and its activities cut across traditional disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and mathematics. Our faculty, students, and staff examine Earth's interior structure, chemistry, motion, and dynamics, geologic hazards, processes affecting the surface environment, the surrounding space environment, planetary processes, and geobiology. We provide a foundation for interdisciplinary teaching and research that is based on the geologic record, and on rigorous observation and modeling of Earth's present state. Our research aims to provide a basis for making accurate predictions of future conditions. Our graduate students come from a variety of disciplines, but should have a solid background in math, physics, and chemistry. Some of the more common backgrounds are geology, physics, and chemistry. Students typically begin taking courses in their field of interest immediately, and are encouraged to being their research early in their first year.

Prospective graduate students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Hold the minimum equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution or a Bologna bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.

Minimum 3.0 GPA for last two years of study preferred. Your application will be assessed holistically, meaning that all elements of your application will be considered equivalently, therefore your GPA will not be a more prominent factor in its assessment.

English Proficiency:

The Graduate School is temporarily accepting official test scores for both the Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL ITP Plus For China to assist international students with remote testing options. This policy is currently in effect through the autumn 2021 admission cycle (i.e., students enrolling in autumn 2021).

International graduate students who achieve a score of 580 (TOEFL) or 237 (TOEFL C) or 92 (TOEFL iBT) or greater on the International TOEFL (or 90 or greater on the Michigan Language Test) and a score of 55 or greater on the International Test of Spoken English (TSE) or 230 or better on the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) administered by the University of Washington (UW) may be appointed as TAs without additional language proficiency testing. The International TSE is not required for admission; however, international graduate students admitted to the Department of Earth and Space Sciences who have not taken the TSE must take the SPEAK test after their arrival to the UW.

Duolingo: Minimum Required Score (ELP Required): 105; Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied): 120 or higher

IELTS: Minimum Required Score 6.5